Man breaks into Arapahoe County police substation, answers telephone

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. – A man is in jail after police say he broke into a sheriff’s substation Saturday morning and started answering the phone.

At about 12:45 a.m., deputies arrived to find broken glass near the front door of the sheriff’s substation at 9200 East Iliff Ave., and a man walking around inside.

According to police, 41-year-old Philip Thomas Brown was trying to open a gun safe while holding a sheriff’s office ballistic shield in front of his chest.

Brown told authorities that he broke into the substation because he was homeless and had the flu.

When deputies attempted to open the door, they realized it was barricaded from the inside. Brown refused repeated commands to come outside of the building, and additional deputies were called to the scene to set up a secure perimeter outside.

Deputies said Brown was answering the phone inside the substation saying, “Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.”

When Brown eventually came out the front door, deputies said he walked toward them aggressively.

Authorities then deployed a K9 named Orry, who they said bit Brown’s upper left arm.

Brown was treated at the hospital for his injuries before he was transported to jail.

He will face charges including second degree burglary, criminal mischief and obstruction.